What is Heat Therapy

Heat therapy can help ease sore, stiff, injured, and tight muscles and joints. Heat relaxes your muscles, which may help ease your pain and muscle spasms. Do not use heat therapy unless your doctor tells you to use it.

How to use heat therapy

There are several different kinds of heat therapy, including:

• Moist heat pack.
• Hot water bottle.
• Electric heating pad.
• Heated gel pack.
• Heated wrap.
• Warm water bath.

Your doctor will tell you how to use heat therapy. In general, you should:

1. Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
2. Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes. Your skin may turn pink.
3. Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. You should remove the heat source if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You are more likely to get burned if you leave it on the skin for too long.

Your doctor may also tell you to take a warm water bath. To do this:

1. Put a non-slip pad in the bathtub to prevent a fall.
2. Fill the bathtub with warm water.
3. Check the water temperature.
4. Soak in the water for 15–20 minutes, or as told by your doctor.
5. Be careful when you stand up after the bath. You may feel dizzy.
6. Pat yourself dry after the bath. Do not rub your skin to dry it.

General recommendations for heat therapy

• Do not sleep while using heat therapy. Only use heat therapy while you are awake.
• Your skin may turn pink while using heat therapy. Do not use heat therapy if your skin turns red.
• Do not use heat therapy if you have a new injury.
• High heat or using heat for a long time can cause burns. Be careful not to burn your skin when using heat therapy.
• Do not use heat therapy on areas of your skin that are already irritated, such as with a rash or sunburn.

Get help if you have:

• Blisters, redness, swelling (puffiness), or numbness.
• New pain.
• Pain that is getting worse.

Summary

• Heat therapy is the use of heat to help ease sore, stiff, injured, and tight muscles and joints.
• There are different types of heat therapy. Your doctor will tell you which one to use.
• Only use heat therapy while you are awake.
• Watch your skin to make sure you do not get burned while using heat therapy.